Chapter 17_ Trailing After LUCAS

Kate and Lucas shared a quiet dinner, ending with Lucas swiftly departing without a word.

Despite not being close friends or truly engaged, Kate couldn't help feeling hurt by Lucas's silent treatment.

"Hey," Ace approached her with a pained smile.

"Is Lucas giving you the cold shoulder?" he asked.

"He's barely spoken to me since we left the racing circuit," Kate replied, her tone sad.

"Don't worry, he'll come around. It's not about you," Ace reassured her.

"Then who is he upset with? Do you know what this is about?" Kate inquired.

Ace looked away, rubbing his neck. "It's not my place to say. He'll tell you when he's ready," he said before leaving the dining room.

Kate lay in bed later, lost in thought about Elizabeth and Wilson, wondering if she could be Wilson's daughter and part of Wilson's plan to undermine Lucas's family control.

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The next morning, Kate woke up early, hopeful to speak to Lucas about their strained interaction the day before. As she approached the hallway corn